one thing i have learned

2006-12-08T14:24:00.000-08:00

The final blog. This blog as is requested is going to be about how i think the class went. It will cover what I thought about the class. What was good in the class and what could use some improvements and basically my overall impresion of the class.
Overall I enjoyed the class. I found it inteclectually stimulating and fun to have conversations about what we had read and done. It is a class that required me to think and speak about what my thoughts and opinions were. The in class disscussions were fun for me at least. I liked getting to know people by reading the blogs and papers of others. Just had a good time in class.
There were a few things that could use tweaking though as with any class. One is that we be given more time to peer review. Just not enoiugh time. Another is that it could have used a little more instruction on the MLA formating of papers. I also think that helping the students to understand that they are going through a process of papers would help clear up a few misunderstandings.
What I thoughts went well in the class was several things. I enjoy the fact that people could express opinions. That I had direct access to the teacher if I had a question,. And there were many. That she kept up a blog for changes and onlione so that I can access it from home. Was able to get my papers back in a very tiomely manner. That we would discuss what an author was thinking rather than having the teacher tell us thier interipation. That the grading though hard is pretty fair and level.
I did enjoy the class and though grammar sucks iw ill still go on. I would recommend that people take what they learned from the class and use it. If not o well. That is thioer decision.

2006-12-01T13:05:00.000-08:00

The subject of todays blog is the peer review and how it is and if it helps. Peer reviews to me for a 1010 class do not work to well. There are several reasons why. There are just twothat I would like to address in this blog. And one of why it is good. 1st our grasp of the english language as far as grammar. 2nd the time constrictions. Lastly the fact that while reading we can benifit.
A big problem with a peer review at the freshman level class is that we do not fully get grammar. While some kids in the class undoubtedly do most I think do not keep up with the current grammar rules. I know I dont. I cant even find problems in my own paper much less take someone elses paper and find them. I just dont think that I have any ablility to correct someones paper without a huge book by me.
A good peer review from what I unmderstand may take as long as an hour and a half. While we do have an hour in class that still doesnt give me a chance to do one correctly much less two or three. the fact is that I have noticed that people rush through a peer review just to get it done. If more time were alotted I am sure that the peer reviews would go up.
The last and good thing is the sharing of ideas and concepts. While I may only be able to pick up on one or two spelling errors or Mla format errors I can see if it flows. Sometimes this helps me to see my own paper in a new lite. You also get the chance to see others writing and take what you want from thiers to make yours better. Part of the reason I am able to write the way I do is because of the chance to see what others have done and how they have done it. Also it gets the people in the class to know each other better and share ideas.

2006-11-24T12:07:00.000-08:00

The thing that I am going to write about is simple. Today the subject of my blog is why is it that others choices are always a persons greatest misery, I have been thinking a lot about this because of a buddy of mine. He is in a situtaion in which a friend of his is being way stupid and making stupid choices. And he is miserable why is that?
Is his being miserable linked to the persons actions yes. One of the possible answers is that he would make different choices and has an outside perspective. Many times in my own life it has not been me that has come up with the answer but listening to others perspectives that has gotten me out of trouble. Maybe if we listened and thought about what others say to us we wouldn't make so many mistakes and be a little happier. But the person will not listen to my friend and so he is hurt by that. After all they seemed to him to be close.
Another reason that we become miserable by others choices is that they sometimes hurt us. One choice to kill someone we love greatly causes us to be miserable. It is often that we are most affected when we are directly involved by a persons choices that we are hurt and made miserable. this is another reason that we are made sad by peoples choices. When that person hurts us
Ulitmatley though I think that even though a person can be made miserable by another choice the person affected can still choose how to act. I decide how to take something and how long it affects me for. Remeber that you as a person can do what you want and make a choice to be happy. So choose and let the good times roll,

2006-11-17T15:10:00.000-08:00

I have learned many things from doing my research on the influence that society has on the iconization of heros or ideas. Basically I am doing a study on how peoples values are what makes that peoples heros. It is a very interesting study and has made me look at several different aspects of society
One of the main things that my rersearch has taught me is that we as a society are leaning towards having murderers as icons. Hannibal lector is a classic example most view him as a hero in the movies that he is in. Another is the punisher a comic book charater who goes around and kills all of his opponetes "the Bad guys" it seems that killing is what is societyies fashion today.
Even super heroes are a reflection of society. Over the years women have been given more physical prowess much like thier male conterparts. The first major super women were unable to fight phsysically and had to use othermethods to fight crime now wonder woman is kicking trash on all fields.
I really like this topic and while it was hard to find scholarly journals on my subject there are several articles and even conversations that I have had and found on the internet as well as some book references.

2006-11-10T14:36:00.000-08:00

Today the subject that I wish to address is why is there so much conflict in realationships. Everyone today is in some kind of realationship with someone. Wether it be with family or friends or even Boy/Girl friends. We all have to deal with them. The thing that has sparked this is from english class. All the time people are talking abou their own realationships before class and so that is what sparked this.
However the most interesting realationships is the boy and girlfriend realationship. Two people meet and they decide to hang out and become that persons speical friend. It is so interesting because at the begging niether of the parties knows exactly what is going on. So there is a ton of going to friends and seeing why the person does this or that. This is actually on of the most funny because both people are doing this when they could be talking to each other ihnstead.
I find that the best way for these realtionships to work is that the people must be open and honset with each other. If you have a problem dont go to the best friend go to the "friend" and talk to them. This not only assures communication with the other person but makes both of you trust each other and the realationship grows. It is very bgood to talk and understand each other and will lead to a productive realationship.
The other thing that makes this type of realationship unquie is that people expect boy and girl friends to have fun. To many realatioships are serious. Have fun and it makes life easier. Even englidsh becomes easier when you can have fun and do the assignment with you other. So get out there and have fun.
Lastly realationships are going to go through hard times. People life is hard times but have a good attitude about it and realize that the other person still is willing to care about you. So go out there and date and find a boy or girlfriend and let the fun begin.
Authors note I know that realationships can be fun. I am in a great one and am haviung a blast. Have fun with it.

2006-11-03T14:35:00.000-08:00

The question that I have today is actually something that I have been indirectly learning form the essays and myself and also others in the class. I have noticed it in others and even in myself. It comes in all sorts of sizes and charteristics. The thing that I am writing on today is personal strength.
A persons personal strength can be anything. From the ablitity to be able to stand up for what you believe in to even being able to care about someone else other than yourself. Many in the class I suspect have personal strength but are choosing not to show it. But then agian I have only gotten through a couple of people's journals and am only begging to see the vast amount that this class has.
The reason that I have been thinking aobut this even for paper writing is that a friewnd questioned me about what made me think that I was so strong and mighty. I pondered it for days and was able to finally tell her what made me strong and different from everyone else. It is an wanting to understand.
This is one of the reasons why I am able to speak so much. I want to be understood as well as understand what is going on in class. I want people to be understood. Which is why I come off as annoying in class. I challenge people to help me to understand them so that I can learn and grow. But this will only happen if you challenge me and help me to see your point of view. Although sounding cocky bring it on and we can all use our strengths to learn something new. Not only about class but maybe about each other. Even maybe you will learn something aobut yourself.

2006-10-27T14:57:00.000-07:00

I have l earned many things while begging my research. At first I was unsure of what to do. A paper whose subject dating or on heroes. I decided to go with heroes. Who doesn’t have a hero? However I am going to do the iconization of heroes rather than just the norm. I am going to have to read about a lot of icons in the upcoming weeks.
I have learned that there are many icons out there. Almost every culture has an icon or more that means something to the culture. In Ireland the have the noble William Wallace who tries to free his native land. England has a modern David Beckham who is a soccer icon and looked up to.
Then there are other heroes the comic book type. France has tin tin, the us has hundreds, and Spanish have Zorro and many others. These are fictional characters that people have admired. They become icons due to the fact that they show us the possibilities that anyone can achieve with or without super powers.
It has been interesting to see both modern icons and ancient coming together in a paper that will only be annoted but it is interesting to find out that really the world has a lot more in common than most people think.

2006-10-20T17:14:00.000-07:00

The subject that I wish to broach today is about papers. The thing is that I am not very good at all in the grammar department. I actually frequently get into trouble when trying to do a paper because of grammar. The thing that I wonder is are we being so tied down by grammar that we are losing some originality along the way?
New ideas come along every so often to me when trying to write a paper. I often find myself in a mode when I can write down amazing ideas. But because they are not proper grammar I am docked points for this. Is this fair. Well yes but also I think that the ideas and concepts of a paper should be considered as well.
Many of the papers that I have written ion the past because of grammar have lost the original meaning and intent. I am not trying to write a monotone paper but rather one that I can both teach and enjoy. But often grammar does not let me do this. I just think that sometimes though good an idea is lost because we conform to a certain way. Such as new words. If we follow grammar we lose this ability because we cant go outside the guide lines.
So though for now I will conform to grammar I ask other to look more for the intent of a paper rather than the grammar. But also correct it so that it makes since. Tell me I am doing something wrong and I will try again. But I will not always conform. Because sometimes a fragment is as effective as a whole sentence. Lets get creative and see if we cant find a way to do grammar and orginality together.

2006-10-13T14:30:00.000-07:00

The article I have read is about how fire departments especially the forest fire departments want to use Jumbo Jets. The problem is that Federal regulations are preventing the jets from being used. Even though they would be much more affective than the current jets.
The author of the article that I have read differs in that the tone is not so formal and is actually lax. He doesn’t use as many quotes. He utilizes a few examples and is very brief on what he has to say. It seems rushed but it is a newspaper. Uses a lot of statistical info and talks to ordinary people about the jumbo jet idea.
The purpose of the article is to bring the fact to the publics attention. If the politicians wont do anything about it maybe the ordinary people can and will do something about it. We are the ones that elect and seeing this information could result in capital hill and government officials getting a ton of mail form their much beloved public who by the way elects them.
I agree with the article but also realize that my judgment is always for improvements in fire fighting. I agree that we could use the jets very affectivle but that there would also have to be limits. Also that it will save lives and that is really what the article comes down to . We get the jumbo jets and save lives or we don’t and risk more people’s lives. You do the math.

2006-10-06T17:12:00.000-07:00

The piece that I have chosen to critic is the one about the Dam of Glen canyon. The thesis to this that it is a shame that glen canyon was dammed. He talks of the canyon and how it was before it was walled off. Talking about how he used to hear the birds sing and the fish jumping through the water. The canyon was a place of beauty and peace where everyone could come to relax from the outside world. The it got the dam.
In the paper he talks of what the dam did to the wonderful outdoors that he knew. He even goes so far as to say that it was the damnation of the place when the dam was put in. No longer is he able to float through the water and hear the birds. It has become a largely desolate place. A lot of the land was lost to the general public when the dam went up and it took away from the people. Many of the side canyons have been destroyed by the dam. According to him the dam ruined a lot of good things.
The only benefit that has happened to the canyon since the dam went up is to the boat motorists. They get the nice view and beautiful landscape. To do the Glen Canyon trip now you have to rent buy or charter a boat. Even then you are only able to do certain parts of the trip.
Though I am a nature lover and can appreciate the things there in this guy takes it to far. So his trip got messed up. Instead of complaining he should either enjoy
Lake Powell or do something about it, He can do a lot and get his voice heard if he wants. I do enjoy the boat trip but come on enjoy what you can or find a new hobby

2006-09-28T18:07:00.002-07:00

The question that I have pertains to the way people in our class our. We have the chance to learn many great things in class and do. But, there is one thing that I do not see people taking advantage of, well there are a few. The thing that people do not take advantage of in class is the right that has been given to talk in class. Three people are all that really talk in the class. Why is this?
By not talking in class we do not learn. People have many different backgrounds and views about things. They should be expressing those views rather than just letting them fall to the wayside. I am interested to see what other people have to say about what has been said. Even if it does contradict what I say it will help me and others to learn in the class. By not saying what you think you are denying me a full education. Because I want to hear and think about what others say. This gives me different thoughts that can be applied not only to papers but also to school.
We by being able to say what we think are given a voice in the class. We as the students should be saying what we think about a topic. How is anyone going to be able to know what another person in the class even thinks? We can use the classes voice in many ways. If a person does not understand ask a question. Why go and just try to figure out what is needed by asking questions we begin to understand not only what the teachers are saying but what another student has said.
This is directly related to my work. Because I can learn from people. I become a better writer because I’m not only hearing my opinion but others as well. It makes me learn a different way of thinking and even when discussing I have been able to even change my papers because of the things that people have said. I learn a ton about how others think so that in my writing depending on my audience I am able not to insult them. And even recognize the other point of view This is why people should speak up. Lets learn to be better writers by listening and applying what other people in the class say. Also it helps me to do better by letting me see things differently. So talk and learn.

2006-09-28T18:07:00.001-07:00

2006-09-28T18:07:00.000-07:00

2006-09-21T15:47:00.000-07:00

My field of study is the fire sciences and paramedics. The article that I read is about sprinklers and how they are used. It is interesting because it is not something that people think about very often at all. What do firemen think about sprinklers and their uses? This will affect me also as I will shortly be going to the academy and learning more about this type of thing. I am interested in fire prevention as I am in fighting the fire.

One of the questions that the author asks about is why don’t houses have sprinkler systems installed in them. This would help to keep fire damage down as well as save lives. Firemen can’t always get to a fire fast and this could reduce the damage and also save lives. He also asks about whether people are overreacting about the sprinkler problem and trying to install them into houses. Are we putting to much emphasis and not paying attention to the costs? It also asks what are the trade offs both good and bad about sprinklers installed into houses.

The other author uses a ton of other papers and quotes to prove points. He shows that one side is just as valid using points that have been brought up. He also tries to take a neutral position though you can see that he leans towards having sprinklers in the home.

I hope to be able to tackle fire safety. I want to figure out what is the best way to prevent fire in the first place. If you prevent it fires do not happen. I also hope to be able to help to find out new methods/techniques that will help to keep firemen safer. What is the safest method to fighting fire? What can be done to keep not only firemen safe from fires but also keep people safe? These are some of the questions that I will hopefully be able to figure out as I go deeper into the fire sciences and out into the field

2006-09-15T16:07:00.000-07:00

The major that I have decided to go into is Fire Sciences. I think that it is in the field of social services. It is basically just a big word for firefighting. Also I am going into the field of paramedics, which falls under the medical field. The paramedic part of my program is so that I can help on scene with any people that are hurt and also so that I will be able to help take of others. In fact in Provo to get hired on now you basically have to be a paramedic if you want to even be considered for a job
Some of the questions in the paramedic field are things like which are the best and most up to date techniques that we use. Everyone has to be recertification every few years because of this. They have to get recertified because new and improved machines, drugs, and even protocols of what you do are being changed. Another is how do we take care of the personnel that work as the paramedics. What support can we give them? Some situations that paramedics get put into are stressful and or disturbing what is the best way to deal with it. This includes the mental health of the paramedic as well as the physical health of the paramedic.
Some of the questions that a firefighter comes up against are what is the new equipment and how does it work. New stuff is coming out every few years now and they need to know how it works so that they can use it to save lives. Or how can we utilize people on scene to help. People that are on scene can either be help or hinder. That is why we figure out how to make them a tool for us.
The questions that I have are what standards are set for firemen. Will those standards change or stay the same. Every firefighter has to undergo a physical regime that will help them to get in shape. Does this continue or once done are you done? As I continue to do these things I will learn the answers to these and many other questions. As I do this I will come closer to my goal.

2006-09-06T20:53:00.000-07:00

The questions that keep me awake at night I guess honestly the question that keeps me up at night is what will happen to me in the fututre. I think about it often and quite honestly it scares me. Mostly because I really do not know what the future holds for me. Will I be able to become a fireman? Will I be able to make enough money to support myself and a family when the time comes for me to have a family? Will i meet someone new today? Though these are some of the stupid questions about the future that I have no control over I still ask them at night and they keep me up till all hours of the night. Or do I have control?
As I look at this question that I have I start to form my own answers. I find that the answer to thje question of wether I will be able to support a family is found in my education. The more of an education that I recieve the better my job will be, no matter if I go into Fire Fighting or not. Or I might be able to do something and make money like writing. I might invent a new energy source. Who knows but it will be me that decides. As to wether I have control just because I havent lived the day yet it does not mean that I will not be making the descions that day. I make the deciscion for my own life no one else. So yes I have control. Meeting new people is a given. But also it takes me being able to talk to them and over coming my being shy. These are some but not all of the answers that are possible
Should I be worried maybe but maybe not. Some poeple say that each new day is one where you could mess up. Others that each new day is only what we make it. Maybe things that will run my day will be totally out of my control. I might even mess up tommorrow. This question just might be a way of showing my insecurties about myself. It is possible that it is me just wanting more in life than I have currently got. This may be what is reaaly keeping me up at night.
I often ask myself what are some possible solutions for me to the problem of staying up and thingking aobut it. One honestly is to just go to sleep. Another is to talk to others about it. Asking questions of myself is another way to solve the problem during the day. But whatever the solution is for the problem it will always be good to know that tommorow regardless of what happens is another day.

2006-08-30T20:59:00.000-07:00

One night I was talking with a group of friends. They all were girls and we were talking about life and the issues and problems that we were all having. I then asked a question which has made me wonder about many things that have been happening in the world. I asked why the Girls trusted me enough to tell me about their lives and troubles answer was suprising. I was trusted because I showed that I cared about them and I showed them respect. So the question that I have been asking myself is Why is chivalry so scarce?
Many people argue that the media has taken the chivalry out of life. As the media and music industries expand, women are often portrayed as objects. This influences all people because women begin to believe that they are less than men. Men also view this and start to treat females as the objects that they see on TV. So it is a circle as TV worsens the image of women people accept that as truth rather than the real ting.
Others argue that there is still chivalry out their. I have seen this myself. Boys opening doors for a girl as she walks into school. Boys that step forward and help a girl with books across campus. Men that fight to defend their wives,daughters honor. Chivalry does still exist to these people but is it enough.
My feeling as well as others is that people have stopped caring for one another, Rather than appear weak they will refuse to help out each other. People seem to grow colder towards each other with each passing year. This may be an answer. If you don't care about someone why hold open a door. Or why even show them respect. In other words why care.
Many other answers exist for the reason why there may or may not be chivalry and caring out there. Maybe I was wrong to think what I have thought. It is possible that most of these girls friends were just jerks. But it still comes down to "Why does chivalry and caring seem to be going out of fashion?"